Shamsy

Reading this more generally, it's an interesting topic and one I'm sure a few people are struggling with right now. My own experience with collecting has evolved over the years, I'd like to say become more discerning and patient. From that initial 'just about anything' most of us start with, to settling on a nation, then looking for every recognised patterns, then into specific patterns and rare pieces... but now that I am very much interested in nihonto, I'm almost starting the cycle again! Hopefully I can say I've learned something, since I'm being very selective and taking my time trying to determine if I can find a specific attribute for collecting. On the off chance that it may assist others, some of my ideas for focus are; School of smiths (Soshu, Bizen etc) Time period (Koto, Gendaito etc) Line of smith (As Joe collects) Sword type (Tachi, katana, Wak, Tanto) Any combination of above! "Can the car collector stop collecting?" Only when he is satisfied. As it is a matter of opinion which cars are best representations of each country, his opinion is the one that matters. He may be satisfied with what he has, or he may take the view that there will undoubtedly always be a 'more original' 'better condition' or 'nicer paint colour' available.

Ah, a good point from you both. What I've typically done for bare blades is cut a small patch of suede leather that sits between the wood and steel contact points. It seems to help balance, protect from scratches and will by chance prevent the wood to steel contact and corrosion mentioned. I've learned something though, so as always I appreciate the advice.

That's great to know, thanks Grey. What I'm trying to say above is that I'd like to avoid paint and stains as these alter colour completely or at least more than a natural oil finish, which IMHO acts to bring out the grain and colors already present in the raw wood. Oils are my preferred option for that reason and there are some excellent ones available. As you suggest it may not even be necessaryto apply a finish. I am planning to try this with Hairy Oak, as I absolutely love the timber and have been looking for an excuse to use it for something. The raw wood is quite spectacular.

I've had a search through the forums and google without success, so is anyone able to tell me what can be safely used to finish a kake and what to avoid? It would be awful to stain a polished blade by using the wrong finishing agent. I'm currently looking at some sort of oil that will enhance the wood as opposed to altering it.

It's reassuring to know there are people out there who care enough about this that they take action. My hat off to you all. Thank you.

Hi Markus, I to love to have a well stocked bookshelf which I can hold and read. Too many screens in life already. Having said that, I think a companion, updated and easily expandable online reference would be invaluable. Books do date, and cannot hold absolutely everything you would like. Perhaps as a start, you could add a margin to each book sale to fund the site? Kickstarter is agood funding cchoice, and adding a 'sweetener' usually attracts more conservative donations.

I'm not sure if you'd include military swords, but we're that the case I would recommend Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks by Fuller and Gregory. Jim Dawson's Swords of Imperial Japan 1868 - 1945 Cyclopedia Edition is another excellent reference.

I hope mine will arrive soon, with the speedy postage option. Really looking forward to it now.

I agree that setting a High and Low category sets negative assertion where perhaps it is not warrented. Frankly $500 is hardly 'low' by any estimation. Price ranges let shoppers stick to a budget and don't force them to see the very best bits they can't have.

Hello all, I found this glossary of sword terms while attempting to translate a description of a sword. It's rather extensive and probably very useful for newer members (myself among them) who may find terminology from the advanced members difficult to follow. http://www.samuraisword.com/glossary/#a

Ugliest hamon I've seen in a long time. Definitely looks acid etched, seem plenty of cheap Chinese display pieces with that ugly sharp edged wave. Kissaki lacks any definition to. I'm not really up there on fittings but that's been called out already. I'm sure the new owner will be very disappointed when they realise it's a $30 decoration.

Three left now, mine is on the way. Postage was very reasonable to Australia.

Give a man a fish, feed him for the day. Teach the man to fish, feed him for life. But the man must be hungry to learn.

A nice sword and good mounts to boot. Would go well in a military gendaito collection. Being naval is a nice little bonus to.

Amazing looking collection. A pleasure to see just the few photographs, so thank you. A must stop on a nihonto world trip.

There are a few pieces with very low estimates I'd love to bid on. Don't think they do international shipping though. Prices will probably be over the expected range anyway.

Agreed. That's a type 95 saya. The pic are very low resolution though, so hard to say if the parts are authentic or not.

As a valuable reference for me to learn from, I'd take a copy to. It's good to support the publishing of new (and translated ) material.

It'd be a gut wrenching feeling to find out you bought a worthless piece of junk. I've been careful and lucky, but I'd still not wish it on anyone. At least it wasn't $1,000

I really liked the stands you suggested Stephen, so contacted the seller. They were kind enough to halve shipping for me. I bought two in the end. Cheers for the lead.

A good suggestion Malcolm, but the issue is not enough space on the stands I have. Very nice Stephen, but it's over $50 postage to Australia. A shame as I really like that one.

I'll make a few guesses. People tend to get both excited, competitive and pig headed in auctions. Probably the best place to see buyers regrets. If you get a few people bidding that don't know the value of items, they can create a sense of false worth, in effect thinking that each other must be in the 'know' and that the item must be worth more. If you've ever been to an antique or collectable shop, often the small bit of militaria for sale is nearly 4x market, so perhaps this also works to distort an ignorant bidders determination of value? At shows when I talk to people I find people either grossly under or over value items. The old "a real handmade sword from Japan is worth $50,000!" which I was excitedly told at the last show I attended. A good combination of all of the above perhaps?

Thank you Greg. The stands they have tick all the boxes.

I've looked at this a couple of times, but I have to agree with Hamish. There is something just under the mekugi-ana, but it's tiny and looks more like pitting maybe. Try as I might I wasnt able to find anything that resembles the shape. Perhaps a better photo, or sprinkle a little loose flower in to define the shape?

I'm hoping someone will know where I can find quality sword stands on a budget. I did a search on the forums but didn't get a hit. I've purchased large stands from eBay claiming to be quality, but was sorely disappointed. By sorely, I mean cheap pine, didn't screw together and crappy matt paint. Sort of thing anyone could do with any degree of woodworking skills and $5. Once bitten twice shy. Quality on a budget I'm after. Doesnt have to be fancy. I'm looking at the sword, not the stand. Id rather not pay hundreds for these, though they are an important part of respecting and showing the sword. If they're in Aus all the better. Thank you.